Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources

Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources

Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources

NEW IUCN/SSC GROUP WITH CIBIO-InBIO RESEARCHERS’ PARTICIPATION CALLS MEDIA ATTENTION

The creation of a new IUCN/SSC group focused on the conservation of Macaronesian endemic plants has been attracting media attention.

CIBIO-InBIO researchers Mónica Moura and Luís Silva are part of an experts’ team from the Azores, Cape Verde, the Canaries and Madeira which integrates the International Union for Conservation of Nature’ specialists group in endemic plants of these four archipelagos.

The creation of the Macaronesian Island Plant group provides for key conservation actions by updating information for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, providing counseling on various priority topics for conservation and disseminate and raising awareness of the importance of protecting island floras.

The islands of Macaronesia are one of the 36 regions classified as a biodiversity hotspot because of its enormous diversity of endemic plants. It is also considered priority for conservation actions due to the loss of at least 70% of its original biodiversity.